Looking at Xandros

January 27, 2005

By
Bill von Hagen

Xandros Desktop OS 3.0 is a solid, well-designed distribution. As
mentioned multiple times, this is a distribution targeted towards new
desktop Linux users, such as those that may formerly have lived on
Microsoft Windows systems. The automatic inclusion of Crossover Office
in their Deluxe edition is a tremendous win for anyone who absolutely
must use Windows software but does not want to incur the cost,
spyware, system viruses, and worms associated with a traditional
Microsoft Windows desktop system.

On the flip side, Xandros Linux is not the distribution to use if you
are a hardcore Linux hacker, want to use a traditional X Window system
window manager, or are doing advanced code development. It includes
software development tools such as GCC and related items, and also
includes development environments for QT, but this isn't the
distribution for you if you want to live in GDB or KGDB.

Xandros has put together a great package for Windows users who want to
migrate to a more powerful, more robust environment, or for anyone who
simply wants to take advantage of the low-cost, high-performance
advantages of Linux without wanting to spend much of their time under
the hood.